“For many decades, jazz has worn the necklace of vital originality which has been exhibited not only by its ability to embrace and assimilate music other than its own but also by the artist whose contributions and innovations have surged up from its deep reservoir of creativity. Which brings us to Will Calhoun.
With this his first CD of drum solos (Housework) you are invited to listen beyond his mastery of the instrument. For there is where you will find the unveiling of his voice through his sound, as well as his use of textures, colors, power and delicacy, all this embodied in a very personal sense of composition, as is evident on tribute to Art Blakey and Miles Davis. Will’s restraint and sensitivity are particularly noteworthy, as well as his impeccable execution and balance.
You will hear not only a reverence for the tradition of Jazz Drumming but also a natural appetite to explore the hidden mysteries this instrument possesses. For example, check out Jingle Brass Fantasy and Rwanda – these two pieces have personalities that are so uniquely defined that they call out for more listening.
As I listened to the selections on this CD I could not escape the thought that what’s important is Will’s vision of the whole of creative music, and not simply its parts (jazz, rock, fusion, etc.) I have happily known Will for well over fifteen years, and can think of only one other person that may know his playing as well as I. I continue to be deeply impressed not only with his concept and technique but his continued development of an artist that adds lusta to the necklace of vital originality.”
Track List
- Tribute to Blakey / Listen to sample (mp3 audio)
- Miles Davis (Live in Argentina) / Listen to sample (mp3 audio)
- Jingle Brass Fantasy
- Visual Conversations (Live in N.Y.)
- Jungle
- Rwanda / Listen to sample (mp3 audio)
- Brush Thing (Live in South America)
- Dance of the Zulu House Masters
Housework Reviews
“Anyone who has seen Will Calhoun either in clinic or in concert with the late Living Colour knows that he is a totally musical artist who never took the grandstand with the LC, preferring to be a team player at all times. But LC didn’t always take advantage of Will’s skill at playing many genres, or his prodigious chops.
Housework remedies this for listeners while giving Calhoun a chance to set his multifaceted talent to disc.
Recorded both in concert and in the studio, this collection of drum solos shows a drummer who can burn, but one who also can construct impressive thematic pieces and evocative, sequencer-induced sound collages. “Tribute to Blakey” initiates the CD with a tasteful, well-conceived solo that is more a thoughtful homage than an attempt at sound-a-like drum riffs. The toms are full and resonant here, Will seemingly lost in a medium-tempo remembrance of a departed friend, “Miles Davis” picks up the Al Foster throne, with Will bashing out a caustic hi-hat groove as a distorted rock melody works the background. And “Jingle Brass Fantasy” recalls Billy Cobham’s “Stratus” with its repetitive sequencer line and 16th-note snare drum workout, but then Will breaks into a flailing fury over the kit before abruptly ending.
What makes this music work is the diversity Will brings to each solo, whether the surroundings are African percussion, hard rock rave-ups, or impressionist hip-hop (“Jungle“).
Will Calhoun should be proud of this effort. He’s done more with eight drum solos than some drummers do with an entire band, a major label, and forty attendant lackeys.”
“Will is a highly sensitive and gifted musician. Housework is an innovative collection of his chops, stamina, groove, and sensitivity.”
“With this his first CD of drum solos (Housework) you are invited to listen beyond his mastery of the instrument. For there is where you will find the unveiling of his voice through his sound, as well as his use of textures, colors, power and delicacy, all this embodied in a very personal sense of composition, as is evident on tribute to Art Blakey and Miles Davis. Will’s restraint and sensitivity are particularly noteworthy, as well as his impeccable execution and balance.”